JUDGMENT :

An eminent Malayalam Film Director is forced to approach this Court as his fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression has been drastically curtailed by the 3rd respondent, otherwise than in accordance with the procedure established by law.

2. The petitioner is a Malayalam Film Director, Screen Writer and Lyricist, who has directed more than 20 Malayalam Films. He is recipient of the Kerala State Film Award for Best Debut Director for his movie titled “Mamalakalkkappurath”. The petitioner produced and directed a Malayalam movie “Puzha Muthal Puzha Vare” based on the Malabar Rebellion of 1921.

3. The petitioner submitted an application on 17.05.2022 to the 2nd respondent-Central Board of Film Certification seeking certification of the Film “Puzha Muthal Puzha Vare”. The 4th respondent constituted an Examination Committee for the Film. The Committee, after examining the movie, submitted its recommendations on 25.06.2022. The 3rd respondent-Chairman of CBFC referred the movie to a Revising Committee.

4. The Revising Committee examined the movie on 05.08.2022. The petitioner was summoned by the Revising Committee and various aspects of the Film were discussed. The 10-M